Why can't we be friends
War. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I seen ya around for a long long time
I really remember you when you drank my wine
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I'd seen ya walking down in Chinatown
I called ya but you could not look around
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I pay my money to the welfare line
I see ya standing in it every time
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
The color of your skin don't matter to me
As long as we can live in harmony
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I'd kinda' like to be the president
So I could show you how your money's spent
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Sometimes I don't speak right
But yet I know what I'm talking about
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
I know you're working for the CIA
They wouldn't have you in the mafia
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
Why can't we be friends
The song "Why Can't We Be Friends" by War is a groovy and upbeat tune that explores themes of unity, friendship, and acceptance. The lyrics speak of the desire for people of different races, cultures, and backgrounds to come together and put aside their differences. The repetition of the chorus, "Why can't we be friends" emphasizes this message and reinforces the idea that it's possible for people to get along despite their differences.
The verses of the song reference personal experiences where the singer has encountered someone repeatedly but hasn't been able to connect with them. In one instance, he sees someone standing in line at the welfare office, highlighting the fact that financial struggles can affect anyone regardless of their background. In another instance, he calls out to someone in Chinatown, but they can't hear him, possibly due to language barriers or cultural differences. These experiences demonstrate that no matter how different people may seem on the surface, there are underlying similarities that can be found.
The song concludes with the acknowledgement that sometimes people may not communicate perfectly or have different jobs, but that these differences shouldn't prevent them from being friends. The singer expresses a desire to be president, not for personal gain, but to show others how their money is being spent. This unifying message gives the listener hope that even in difficult times, friendship and unity can be achieved.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, oh, oh, oh
This is the chorus of the song.
La, la, la, la, la, la
This is the chorus of the song.
Why can't we be friends
The artist is questioning why it is so difficult for different people to come together and be friends.
I seen ya around for a long long time
The artist has known this person for a long time.
I really remember you when you drank my wine
The artist has a specific memory of this person that involves sharing wine.
I'd seen ya walking down in Chinatown
The artist has seen this person in a specific part of town.
I called ya but you could not look around
The artist tried to get this person's attention, but they were unable to acknowledge them.
I pay my money to the welfare line
The artist is acknowledging that he struggles financially.
I see ya standing in it every time
The artist has seen this person at the same welfare line.
The color of your skin don't matter to me
The artist is emphasizing that race does not affect his ability to be friends with someone.
As long as we can live in harmony
The artist hopes that being able to live in peace with each other should be enough.
I'd kinda' like to be the president
The artist is making a hypothetical statement about wanting to be the president.
So I could show you how your money's spent
The artist would like to use his position as president to show this person how the government spends its money.
Sometimes I don't speak right
The artist acknowledges that he makes mistakes with his words.
But yet I know what I'm talking about
Despite his mistakes, the artist is confident in his understanding of the topic at hand.
I know you're working for the CIA
The artist is making a claim that this person works for a specific government agency.
They wouldn't have you in the mafia
The artist is using a comparison to emphasize that the CIA would never hire someone affiliated with the mafia.
Why can't we be friends
This is the chorus of the song.
Why can't we be friends
This is the chorus of the song.
Why can't we be friends
This is the chorus of the song.
Why can't we be friends
This is the chorus of the song.
Why can't we be friends
This is the chorus of the song.
Why can't we be friends
This is the chorus of the song.
Why can't we be friends
This is the chorus of the song.
Why can't we be friends
This is the chorus of the song.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CHARLES MILLER, GERALD GOLDSTEIN, HAROLD BROWN, HOWARD SCOTT, LEE LEVITIN, LONNIE JORDAN, MORRIS DICKERSON, THOMAS ALLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@catherinegilles6408
Song by War:
“ Why can’t we be friends ?
Why can’t we be friends?
I seen you around for a long, long time
I remembered you when you drank my wine
Why can’t we be friends?
Why can’t we be friends? “❤😊
@Ludwig_Perpenhente
I really like how a song "Why Can't We Be Friends?" was made by a band named "War"
@Soundtracks92
Lmao ikr? 🤣
@user-tm5st6zt7g
When The War is about to end, this always happens, Bro
@kindlyhelpmereachto40kwith12
Exactly I realized that when I just started the vid lmao 😂
@saraaaobey4798
Mmm&
@WinifredOdriscoll
Typically sound.
@jasp9661
One of the greatest songs about peace and anti-racism ever made. WAR is for the kids 👌🏼
@mrsnuffleupagus9014
It's not about anti-racism. It is just anti racism.
@davihomem7342
Maybe the last phrase wasnt the best usage of words
@ArtemTarkovskiy
War for kids , wtf you saying?